Top pick: #1 (Walk Away Slow) (7-2) - He's been freshened up since Dec. 12 when he raced evenly in a grass race at this level. Colt had gone 4-2-1-0 sprinting on the dirt prior to that with one of those wins coming on an off surface. Has the rail and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #7 (Get Creative) (5-2) - Very lightly raced, he was an easy wire-to-wire winner when debuting here at this distance for a $25K tag on Dec. 11. Trainer Kirk Ziadie sent him to Tampa for a upper level starter-allowance Jan. 7 for his first facing winners. Colt tired to finish fourth after setting a pressured pace. He's worked twice since and is dropping down for this attempt.
3rd pick: #3 (Papa Upa) (2-1) - Consistent sort pressed the pace before weakening to finish fourth here at this tag and trip Jan. 8. It was his first race in almost two months and in his previous start he was only a 1/2 length back of 'Walk Away Slowly'. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #6 (Coalminer) (6-1) - By far the fields most experienced runner, he's moving from turf to dirt and shortening up in distance. He has some ability, a quick recent work, and is a stretch threat at a square price.